As part of a major lift system overhaul, Ski Shawnee Inc., owner and operator of Shawnee Mountain, is pleased to announce the purchase of a new high speed detachable quad chairlift for the popular Pocono Ski Resort.

Manufactured in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Doppelmayr CTEC USA, the new high speed quad will be installed this summer along the Tomahawk Trail and replace Shawnee’s existing fixed grip quad lift in the same location. The fixed grip quad will then be moved to the Arrowhead Trail and replace Shawnee’s oldest lift – a fixed grip triple which will be retired.

Named the “Tomahawk Express”, Pennsylvania’s newest detachable quad will serve as Shawnee’s flag ship lift centrally located to serve 20 of Shawnee’s 23 slopes and trails. The new high speed lift will whisk skiers and snowboarders 3100’ to the summit in just 3 minutes – current lift ride is 7 minutes.

Despite its high speed, 1000 feet per minute, the new detachable quad is designed to be very child and ski school friendly with a slow 225 feet per minute load and unload speed. Each of the detachable 4 person chairs will have rear slanting seats. The new Tomahawk Express Quad will transport 2,400 skiers/riders per hour.

All the lift system installation and relocation work will be completed in time for the 2010-11 winter snow sports season. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new Tomahawk Express is planned for early December.

Shawnee Mountain is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just off Exit 309 of Interstate 80. General information call 570-421-7231. For lodging information, call 888-VILLA4U (townhomes and chateaus), 800-SHAWNEE (Shawnee Inn), or 800-POCONOS (vacation bureau). Or visit Shawnee Mountain online at www.shawneemt.com.